Features > Best Of > World’s Most Spectacular Rooms
The best thing about a hotel room, aside from the bed, is the view. I always run straight for the window whenever I enter a hotel room. Sometimes even a view of the pool can be amazing, especially if the alternative is a view of the air conditioner units. Many hotels charge extra for a view because they know how important it is for us to experience the outside, even when we're inside. I often leave my blinds open at night, because I like to see the shadow of trees. Isn't this the whole reason why we have windows, to see what's happening outside, and not be closed off from nature? Here's a list of some of the most beautiful views ever from a hotel room. Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments. I'd love to hear from you.
1. Mena House Oberoi (Egypt)
What's better then waking up and seeing the Great Pyramid from your bedroom window? The Mena House Oberoi makes this happen. It opened in 1869, and features a jasmine garden, a golf course, and a swimming pool in full view of the pyramids of Giza. Rates start from US $250.
2. Hotel Regina (France)
I couldn't make a list without including a view of the Eiffel tower. Hotel Regina opened in 1900 to service the World Fair. It is now a landmark hotel in Paris, and offers unobtrusive views of another landmark, the Eiffel tower. Rates start from US$525.
3. Londolozi Private Game Reserve (South Africa)
This resort is in the middle of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It has been in the Varty family for over 80 years. Londolozi is Zulu for “to protect,” and this reserve seeks to do just that, blending in with its environment. Londolozi is the best place to see South African leopards. Rates start from US $530/per night, including meals, three night minimum.
4. Inkaterra (Peru)
I love this place, because I've always wanted to go to Peru and visit Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is the lost city of the Incas, and was built around 1460. It is built on the side of a huge mountain. Inkaterra is within walking distance, although you'd probably want to take a bus. It features breathtaking views of the lush forest of ancient Peru. Rates start from US $470.
5. Jumeirah Bab Al Shams (Dubai)
Everything's booming in Dubai, but this resort is a little further out, away from the glittering lights of the city. It's surrounded by desert sands, and gives you the feel of Bedouin lifestyle, if the Bedouins lived in 5-Star hotel suites! Rates start from US $700.
6. Hotel Everest View (Nepal)
For those of us who want to look at Mount Everest but not actually climb it, there is Hotel Everest View. This is the highest hotel on earth, at 13,000 feet above sea level. It was originally created in the 1970s for wealthy Japanese tourists, but most people (Japanese or otherwise) can't go here due to altitude sickness. For this reason, visitors are cautioned to walk, instead of fly directly, to the hotel. But the view is definitely worth a little bit of nausea! Rates start from US$170.
7. Alila Ubud (Indonesia)
This Balinese hotel is located on hillside terraces, overlooking the Ayung River. It has 56 rooms, and suites with private lotus ponds. Instead of mints, iPods are placed on turn-down pillows. Rates start from US $180. (What a steal!)
8. Commune by the Great Wall (China)
Instead of taking a long ride to the Great Wall, stay at this hotel. It has stellar views of the Great Wall from your hotel room, and it also features a private path to the non-commercial part of the Great Wall. The Commune contains about 40 villas, and was designed by a team of Asian architects. It has won awards and was named a “New Architectural Wonder of China.” The Commune part is because you will share living and dining space with other guests, but your hotel room is private. Rates start from US $341.
9. Four Seasons Hong Kong (China)
What can I say? Asia has great views! The Four Seasons Hong Kong is for those of us who love the energy of the city. And Hong Kong is dazzling at night. This hotel overlooks Victoria Harbour. It's a little pricey, but there's no view in the world like this one! Rates start from US $540.
10. Poseidon Undersea Resort (Fiji)
Okay, this hotel hasn't actually opened for business yet. It's slated for early 2009, but don't hold your breath. Speaking of holding your breath, this location is underwater. It's 40 feet underwater, to be exact. You don't need to know how to scuba dive or even swim to get there. It will have an elevator that takes you from the dock to the below-water suites. It also contains the same pressure as above ground, so no need to worry about acclimating to the sea. On second thought, you may want to know how to swim if something breaks, but each of the 24 suites contain 4″ thick acrylic glass to protect you from the elements. It should be a fantastic site to behold once it's completed. Rates start from US $15,000 per person. Not per room - it's a bit of a splurge!
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